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Description

Gigi Ruf approved.

Gigi Ruf wanted a binding that would complement his smooth, spontaneous style of riding, and Union delivered with the Contact Pro Snowboard Binding. It features ultra-lightweight construction and a softer flex to deliver total freedom and a surfy feel anywhere on the mountain.

The bigger your binding's footprint, the more it affects the way your board flexes. That's why the Contact Pro remarkably only makes five percent contact with the board, allowing it to flex the way it was intended and giving you a more natural riding experience. It also has the Contact Pro highback, which is extremely light and has an asymmetrical design to mimic your leg's natural shape for improved comfort. Multi-density EVA in the footbed allows for natural canting to reduce fatigue, and it also absorbs vibrations and shock for a smoother ride.

An extruded 3D aluminum heelcup reduces weight while maintaining strength and stiffness. The 3D Direct-Connect ankle strap provides a secure and responsive fit without creating painful pressure points, and the Ultra Grip toe strap is low-profile and cored-out to wrap around the front of your boot for a comfy and secure fit.

Here's what others have to say...

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Gamechanger:Improved Union Contact Pro

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

I have the 2012-13 Contact Pro and I really like them, there were a few design flaws that I didn't like(namely how the heel ladder strap was attached and the toe strap ratchets were at times difficult to release). The 14-15 version eliminated all the design complaints I had, and improved on an already awesome binding. The new mini disc is a good idea, I think it makes the setup a bit easier and provides a bit more precise set up. I also believes it makes the board a more responsive,(when installing use one screw without the washer to attach the binding to the board, then install hardware as normal, work smarter not harder). All the adjustments are simple and straight forward. Highbacks are a good mix of firm and flexible, straps are comfy and have held up well. The EVA base reduces chatter significantly and kinda add to the surfy feel that I love. There are only two complaints that I can see people having with these bindings. 1: The adjustable gas pedal is gone, I know you adjust the heel loop to center your boot in the binding, it's just I like having the adjustment on the footbed. 2: This not my complaint, but one I've heard repeatedly and is a valid but splitting hairs. The paint easily flakes off. OH NO!!! Not the paint!!! What kind of world do we live in? I don't see how you can go wrong with these bindings. You tear them up, you can rebuild them, the price point is $167.00 as of today. These bindings will last at the least a couple seasons of 50+ days on the mountain. Writing this review I've almost talked myself into buying another pair.

Comment on 80DUBBS's review »

Great feel, not so great other stuff...

Got the pro's a few weeks back, immediately hit the slopes to put them through the wringer. Rode them first on my 152 Rome Gang Plank and truly loved the setup. However, before first day was even over, had already lost the adjustment screw for the right toe strap (fortunately didn't lose the strap itself). No major deal, figured I didn't screw it in tight enough when I adjusted them. Got a replacement at the base and back up. Also during the day, realized that somehow, I had already ripped a quarter size hole in both of the ankle straps. My NIke Lunarendor boots do have the plastic lace secure piece in that area, but damn...the straps looked like they had 100 days on them all of a sudden. AFter day was over, I got to inspecting the bindings some more and realized that the left heel loop was not secure either. No matter how much I tightened every screw available...there was 2mm or so of movement (which was not present in the right binder). IN addition, the high back attachment points to the heel loop have caused serious gouging and damage to the side of the sole on my nikes. Don't think it will ever hinder their function...but it chewed the crap out of them...both sides of both boots. The plastic points on the high back down in the attachment area just dig in and eat that rubber up. So needless to say, I sent them back and got a replacement pair...hoping that it was just a fluke.................

Got the new pari in about 2 days, immediately mounted them to my Never Summer Proto CT 154 and headed to Keyston. Decided to hike first thing in the day, found some nice 15" freshies and went to work! AGain, loved the feel on this board also...things seemed fine...put about 10K feet in and decided to take Outpost gondola back over to front side to meet friends. When I got off gondola and grabbed board...toe strap falls off at my feet! Holy crap, at least it didn't fall off while in the gondola. So I lost another toe adjustment screw. I know for a fact that this time, it was not my fault. I tightened all "toolless" screws before EVERY run that day...due to the faults of the last pair. That was enough for me...got a replacement screw (after riding gondola down the mountain!) and finished day out with no other issues. But I sent them back and have some Rome Katanas on the way.

Two pairs...several setbacks in reliability and build quality (IMO)...probably just my bad luck with first experience with Union...but I'm giving them a pass for now. I will say this, their customer service warranty department is great, and actuallly sent me out two replacment toe straps and several screws when I sent in a complaint.

I like their tech and feel and will give them another shot in the future...but kind of turned off on them for the moment.

Comment on mar105956685's review »

Preliminary Review After One Use

Familiarity:
I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

First off, I'm a chick with size 10 feet so I generally wear guys' bindings just because though the girls' ones fit, they're usually stretched out as far as they can go and I like to be able to really play with my fit. I've been using the Burton Missions for ages and I really wanted an upgrade, so after much deliberation went with Contact Pro's in M/L. No regrets so far... feels like I went from driving a Honda to a BMW!

I was really floored about the exceptional amount of control I had despite their stellar range of motion and flexibility. Tight turns in trees felt way more dialed in and I felt like I could really get a lot of flex and motion in the ankle/foot region which actually helped me get a lot more power out of my legs.

The cushiness underfoot is awesome, too. I hit a couple of flat landings in the park and while that's never fun, they felt waaaay more dampened underfoot than anything I've felt before.

As far as the weight goes, that's great too! When I held a Burton and Union in each hand, I couldn't feel a huge difference in weight, but when I got the Contact Pro's on my board and underfoot, the difference was definitely noticeable.

So far, I love them! I'll update when I have more info on durability/longevity/etc!

Comment on BexOnHood's review »

All is good except the ankle straps...

I love this binding. There's only one bad thing about it. The ankle straps is NOT robust. I just rode it for two days, and there were *holes* on the strap already. Actually it worn through on the first day already. For comparison, I wear the same boots with Burton Malavita for a whole season with no worn out shown on the straps at all. Should I file a complaint here or to Union directly?

Comment on Michele V's review »

unbelievable

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

These bindings are amazing! I used to ride a burton custom with custom bindings. Recently bought a never summer proto and slapped the old customs on. New board felt amazing, but once i threw the union contact pros on, they unleashed a whole new animal. Unbelievable how much more flex and control you get out of your board with these bindings. Truely impressive.

Comment on han105399065's review »

Mixed But Overall Exceptional

Familiarity:
I've used it several times

First off, these bindings really do live up to all the hype. They are super comfy, incredibly light and surprisingly responsive considering how soft flexing they are. Also, they are really well made and the newer versions ('14 and '15) have been nicely refined features - smoother toe strap buckles, more comfortable straps, better footbeds, etc.. Now the down side, the mini disc is nice but a real pain. Not sure it's worth all the hassles. 1) it is only compatible w/ 4 X 2 insert patterns. 2) setting the screws in your boards inserts takes some time and can be tricky because of the baseplate padding. You really do need to watch the Union instruction video to figure it out. Why Union would not work out these kinks in the design of their best all around binding is beyond me. Anyway, when you go thru all the hassles, the ultimate performance of this binding is definitely exceptional and, in many ways, unlike any other binding on the market.

Comment on chrstphmrq526202's review »

Stronger.

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

I recently purchased the Contact Pros for a more jibby board for Brighton. Coming from the Union Forces, these bindings are a tad better. They are a little lighter, have some better shock absorption, and have some quick adjust strap screws. Another bonus is they contact the board significantly less than traditional bindings, so you really get the flex from your board underfoot where normally you would be limited by the bindings contacting the board. I had a hiccup with installation, the screws seem like they are too short to mount in the board, but you only put one screw in WITHOUT the washer, and then you can install the other 3 screws with washers in, take the 1st screw out and re-install it with the washer.

Comment on Gabe B's review »

Sizing Error

So I bought L/XL sized bindings with size 13 boots, which according to their chart should fit... but of course, even on the loosest setting, they didn't. So just a warning for future big footers, use caution with what bindings you buy.

Comment on zep105549916's review »

WARNING!!!!!!

Familiarity:
I returned this product before using it

just a warning to everyone so you dont have the same problem i did. THE MINI DISC IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH 4x4 HOLE PATTERNS!!! Such as my board which is a Bataleon disaster 2014. I am so upset because union nor dogfunk or anyone informed me of this. I spent $240 and paid $20 extra for shipping to have hem for my family trip and now im screwed. Very unhappy about this mainly because no one advertised it

Hey Bravo, I'm in that size range. I wear 32's in 10.5 DC's in 10. Go with the M\L. I had the L\XL for a bit before I went to the smaller size. Reason is, even at the smallest I could get the XL, there was still some play. With a smaller binding you can dial it in better for a tighter more responsive fit.

For a high volume boot at a 10.5 I would suggest a L/XL as you might want the extra ladder room. Keep in mind this binding is fully adjustable so you could play around with it and get the perfect fit to your boots.

Have an answer for Adam S.?

True surf feel

First time I road these bindings I was so stoked on the board feel that you get with only 5% of this binding touching your board. You get a true surf feel in powder and that skate style feel in the park. It's the best of both worlds, not to mention they only weight 720 grams so hiking with these is a breeze. Gigi and union really hammered the nail on the head with these bindings.

Comment on anonymous's review »

If you have a boot that has a reduced length footbed, a low profile, and a narrow width then go with the medium. If your boots are more bulky and/or higher volume, the large will be a better fit. if you're not sure I'd probably go with the large - that one will for sure work, but the medium could end up being too small.

Have an answer for joh3122384?

Best powder bindings i've ever ridden!

Familiarity:
I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

I got to borrow my buddy Mike's board last winter and he had the Contact Pro's. I've never got to surf pow like i did that day! Granted it was 2ft of blower at Copper Mtn... but that's besides the point. These bindings made me feel like i was floating above the deck. So comfortable! I need to get a set for this winter. X-mas is just around the corner, i hope my mom sees this! haha